MH370 search efforts are on the right track: Hishammuddin

KUALA LUMPUR - The MH370 search efforts are on the right track, said Acting Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein today in a joint press conference held with Joint Agency Coordination Centre Chief Coordinator Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston and President of the French Aviation Accident Investigation Bureau Mr Jean-Paul Troadec.

"Today's meeting is something that i was looking forward to but the challenges ahead are huge. However, with more friends coming on board and experts to make sure we remain focused, I believe we will find MH370 sooner or later.

"I will also be going to Canberra on Sunday and there will be a trilateral discussions with China with regards to deployment of assets, engagement with the families and the expert and technical advise that come from all over the world," said Hishammuddin.

Angus, at the same time said discussions have been conducted on challenges involved in the deep water search.

"The search will take probably between 8 to 12 months if we have bad weather or other issues, but we're totally committed to find the MH370 and I am confident that with an effective search we will eventually find the aircraft.

Meanwhile, Jean Paul said it was a big challenge for the MH370 search because the area to be explored is huge and the water is deep.

"But I think by deploying the right assets and taking the necessary time, there is hope in finding the wreckage," he added.

Another press conference is expected later today which would detail more on the preliminary report issued yesterday on the MH370 communication between the cockpit and the control tower up to its disappearance.